Far-UVC Disinfection Device with Subject Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UVGI devices emit UV light that is unsafe for human beings and animals, causing immediate harm due to its short threshold limit value for safe exposure, and struggle to effectively disinfect air and surfaces within indoor or outdoor spaces.
Innovation Solution
A far-UVC disinfection device with a light source emitting UV light between 206 nanometers to 230 nanometers, equipped with subject detection sensors and a controller that automatically activates and deactivates the light based on the presence of subjects, ensuring safe exposure times and effective disinfection without harm to humans, domesticated, or farm animals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional UVGI devices emit UV light to disinfect air and surfaces, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but safety for human beings and animals deteriorates due to immediate harm and short threshold limit value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by shifting the UV wavelength from conventional ranges (200-280nm) to the far-UVC range (222nm specifically). This wavelength parameter change allows the light to maintain disinfection effectiveness while reducing harm to human beings and animals, as the 222nm wavelength is absorbed by the cornea and does not penetrate to living tissue. The system implements this by using excimer lamps that naturally emit at 222nm, thereby resolving the contradiction between disinfection effectiveness and safety.
2Productivity
If UV light is emitted continuously for extended periods to achieve effective disinfection, then disinfection quality is improved, but exposure time for subjects increases causing adverse effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by enabling continuous operation of the far-UVC light source for extended periods (hours at a time) without causing adverse effects to human beings or animals. The 222nm wavelength allows the system to maintain continuous disinfection action while the threshold limit value extends to several hours of continuous exposure, thereby achieving both high disinfection quality and safe exposure duration simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates periodic action through the controller that monitors subject presence and periodically activates or deactivates the light source based on detected occupancy. When subjects are present, the system can operate at reduced intensity or intermittently, and when spaces are unoccupied, it operates at full intensity for extended periods, optimizing both disinfection effectiveness and safety.
3Reliability
If the light source emits far-UVC light continuously for extended periods, then device complexity increases due to need for subject detection sensors and controller, but safety and effectiveness are improved
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors subject presence via sensors, regulates light source activation and deactivation, tracks exposure time, and ensures safety compliance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high reliability and safety standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through subject detection sensors that continuously monitor the presence of human beings or animals, and the controller uses this feedback to adjust light source operation accordingly. The exposure time tracking provides additional feedback to ensure the system operates within safe limits, automatically deactivating when thresholds are approached. This feedback mechanism enhances safety and effectiveness while managing complexity through intelligent control rather than redundant hardware.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device safely disinfects air and surfaces by emitting UV light for extended periods without causing adverse effects to subjects, with a threshold limit value of 23 mJ/cm2, significantly longer than conventional devices, effectively killing microorganisms while ensuring safety.
Implementation Method 1
a light source positioned within the housing and configured to emit a far-UVC light having an output wavelength of between about 206 nanometers to about 230 nanometers
Implementation Method 2
the one or more subject detection sensors includes at least one of an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, and a proximity sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A far-ultraviolet (far-UVC) disinfection device including a light source positioned within a housing and configured to emit a far-UVC light having an output wavelength of between about 206 nanometers to about 230 nanometers. There are one or more subject detection sensors positioned configured to detect the presence of one or more subjects and a controller in communication with the light source and the one or more subject detection sensors. The controller is configured to receive detection data from the one or more subject detection sensors and determine whether one or more subjects are within a range of the far-UVC light emitted by the light source. The controller is further configured to cause the light source to emit or cease emitting far-UVC light based on the amount of time one or more subjects are within the range of the emitted. far-UVC light.